Pehr Kalm

(1716–1779)


Kalm was a naturalist, explorer, and agricultural economist. He worked as superintendent of an experimental plantation in Uppsala, where he met Linnaeus. One of Linnaeus’ earliest students, Kalm traveled in Sweden, Finland, Russia (1742–1745) and North America (1748–1751). In Species Plantarum, Linnaeus cites him for 90 species, 60 of them new.

Right: HI Archives portrait no. 1.
Pehr Kalm (1716–1779). En Resa till Norra America (Stockholm, 1753 [–1761]).

Kalm was sent to explore North America (1747–1751) for new, useful plants. This work discusses not only the natural history of North America but also various social, commercial, governmental and religious aspects.



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